The boys of summer are back

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - The Indiana State University Foundation is bringing the boys of summer back. The team, the Terre Haute Rex. The place, the renovated Bob Warn Field. The opportunity for the city, endless.

The crack of the wooden bat will be heard again in Terre Haute.

The city is no stranger to organized baseball. Over five decades ago, America's pastime was in full swing.

However, in 1956 the Terre Haute Huts played their last game at Memorial Stadium.

"A lot in west central Indiana, a lot in east central Illinois want to see this project succeed," Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce President Rod Henry said.

The Terre Haute Rex is already a homerun. Sixty season tickets were sold in the same week it was announced.

One ticket holder is Henry.

"I wanted front row right behind the third base dugout," Henry said.

Now, he's digging out a new sale's pitch for the city.

"We will certainly use it to sell our community," Henry said. "A project of this magnitude of this investment comes together catches attention."

The city's lodging, restaurants, and possible new businesses will catch the biggest attention.

Before the final bricks are laid at the stadium, the excitement for the city's growth is already building.

The ISU Foundation will be announcing the logo, mascot, and uniforms next month, but team colors are expected to be black and blue.

The Prospect League begins play in early June and runs through August. The league plays a 54-game schedule, 27 home and 27 away.

The Terre Haute Rex is in the Western Division. The other teams consist of Daville, Ill. Dans, Dekalb, Ill. Liners, Dubois County Bombers, Dupage Dragons, Hannibal, Mo. Cavemen, Quincy, Ill. Gems, and Springfield, Ill. Sliders.

Season tickets are already on sale through the Foundation. You can purchase those by calling 812-240-4323.